So there we were, off to Mabalingwe game reserve via Ubuntu Deals generous 2 for the price of one special. The low down is that 2 adults stay for 2 nights, receive dinner and breakfast for R1200, Bargain! So I have to thank them as well for making this possible - (hope they find this blog)!
Check in was great, excitement was visible on our faces and although we had a super frustrating encounter with exceptionally precocious and noisy neighbours (who need to research the meaning of consideration) all went well from lunch time on day two. Our first game drive at 16h45 found us in the heart of the reserve and amongst some fabulous game. *I realized just how little I know about our wildlife and how cleverly they have all been designed!
While the food at Mabalingwe is nothing to write home about, the quality of the deal was enough to keep us happy with Tlou Lodge (our camp) which was well kept and immaculate. The staff are friendly and polite and while you would think there would be a fire each night to keep cold guests warm at the pub, Craig and I found ourselves back in our lodge huddling under 5 blankets instead which was a little disappointing and took away the bush feel we were hoping to feel in the evenings.
During the day and visible from the windows of our chalet, we were visited by a variety of wildlife including a warthog mum and her 2 piglets, some monkeys, squirrels, a few buck and lots of birdlife.
Just down the road from Mabalingwe, close to Zebula Resort, you will find Adventures with Elephants. (Something thats been on my bucket list for 8 years!) Our amazing encounter was made possible by a deal from Groupon. Two adults interacting with the elephants for an hour for the price of one! (Feel free to comment on the amazing blessing this has been and the synchronicity of it all!) The special is still running at the moment so be sure to log on and purchase your vouchers to visit them, even if its for the day. Booking is essential and when you realize how much goes into caring for these animals you'll understand where the money all goes. How much would you pay to see one of the worlds largest land mammals for an hour? Can you put a price on this valuable, life changing experience? I would do it all over again, deal or not!
Greeted by Sean, "head of the herd", we were educated on the many fascinating and special things that Adventures with Elephants do for these animals. A dedicated area of farm land is available for them to enjoy and each elephant is trained and rewarded by their own "handler" who shares a mutual respect with these gentle giants. Each elephant has his or her own history and have either been spared a bullet or rescued at some stage by the company. What they have managed to do for these animals is amazing and Sean and his team are passionate and clearly enjoy what they do. The farm is occupied by various warthog, buck and even a cheeky little meerkat!
Interacting with the elephants, one is educated on their physiology and anatomy as well as the history of how each animal came to the farm. The elephants are temporarily and loosely chained by one back foot to ensure the safety of the visitors during the interaction and Sean explains that each elephant, although fit to interact with humans, is still wild. Once the interaction is over the animals are free to walk with their handlers for a half hour elephant back walkabout and then stabled in the evening for comfort and security reasons.
Unfortunately Craig and I didn't do the half hour ride but interaction co-ordinator David assures us that the elephants will remember us by name and smell for up to 24 months so we will be sure to revisit soon to put them to the test.
Craig and I had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the beautiful farm offers visitors the opportunity to purchase various curios and memorabilia. (I have a beautiful necklace which I purchased and will keep close to my heart to remind me of this special day. I also purchased a special ellie gift for a little friend who just had her 2nd birthday and she will no doubt love her fluffy new toy!)
Take a look at some of our pics and be sure to visit Mabalingwe and Adventures with Elephants for some close to Joburg time out, perfect for a weekend getaway and some unforgettable memories!
A gorgeous Wide Faced owl steals the spotlight on our game drive
The original "Angry bird"
Lazying about outside our chalet
David educating us at Adventures with Elephants - Say "Ahh!" and show us your molars!
< Ellie loves >
Craig plays some footy with one of the big boys!
View from Mabalingwe's restaurant
Mommy warthog outside the window of our chalet
Mom and baby checking us out
One of many of the birds at the reserve
Game drive views
More rich birdlife
Winter nibbles, just look at that nose!
So here we are back in the concrete jungle, rat race and fast paced city called Joburg and our lives. I'm already thinking about our next visit, all the interesting and diverse wildlife we came in contact with and the many things I can cross off my bucket list:
1. Interact with elephants
2. Go to Bela Bela with Craig
3. Stay at a game reserve
Everyone needs a time out - 2 hours from Joburg this was great value for money and just what we needed!
Contact the reserve and Sean for more details:
www.mabalingwe.co.za / www.adventureswithelephants.co.za / www.groupon.co.za (Elephant Adventures special on Groupon available at time of blog post)
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